London 2012: Kate Cheers Women's Hockey Team GB To Bronze Medal

She was captain of the school hockey team, and a huge follower of the sport, and on Friday night the Duchess of Cambridge cheered the women's team to a bronze medal in their 3-1 win over New Zealand.

The stands of the Riverside Arena,awash with red, white and blue, gave the women a standing ovation, heered and clapped along to pop music played by the supporters' band, while the outdoor setting meant they were able to bask in the bright sunshine.

After an emotional group hug, the team carried out a victory lap of the pitch, clapping to show their appreciation to supporters and waving Union flags over their heads.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Dame Kelly Holmes and Katherine Grainger

It was only the second bronze medal in the British women's hockey team's history, but members of the team have made no secret of their disappointment that they did not contest for gold.

The Duchess had also cheered on the team yesterday, when they lost 2-1 to Argentina in the semi-final.

Kate, who was captain of the first XI at Marlborough College, also visited the team during pre-Games training at the park back in March when she had a go on the bright blue pitch herself.

Great Britain celebrate their third goal by Sarah Thomas (right) during the Bronze Medal match against New Zealand at the Hockey Centre

Captain Kate Walsh, said her attendance was "good for our sport, it's a good promotion, she's a good ambassador for hockey.

"If it gets hockey out there to a different set of people, and hopefully we can get more and more people coming to watch, then it must be good.

"She said congratulations and we all looked like we'd worked so hard, she gave me a little hug and just said I was really brave.

"She's played. She played a lot at school, so she knows the game, although the game's moved on a little bit from when she played.

"Still she loves watching, it's brilliant to have her there in the crowd."